Oil Search Foundation (OSF) has funded the purchase of medical equipment worth K100,000 for the Nipa-Kutubu District Hospital that will open in July.

The level four hospital will serve the catchment population within the Nipa and Poroma area of Kutubu, and part of the Mendi-Munhiu district.

The donation is part of OSF’s commitment for the new facility.

One of three rural hospitals that come under the Southern Highlands Provincial Health Authority (SHPHA), the district hospital will include an Out-Patients Unit, Emergency Department and Antenatal & Birth Unit.

When fully equipped and staffed, it will serve as a referral hospital for a population of close to 180,000 people.

SHPHA CEO Dr Joseph Birisi expressed deep gratitude to OSF for its continued support not only to the PHA, but also the Pimaga Rural Hospital and other health facilities within the Kutubu area.

“OSF is not just a partner but a true friend that has been there to help us in critical times and in hard to reach locations,” he said. “The challenges we face in delivering health services in the province are huge and Oil Search Foundation has come in and helped us with medical equipment, capacity building, and logistics support to reach remote places with critical health services.”

“The challenge for this district is more to do with the remoteness and accessibility. Out of the 13 ‘hard to reach’ health facilities in the province, most are within Nipa-Kutubu district,including Bosavi, Wanigesa, Walagu and Fogomaiyo. Their health indicators have been trailing behind other districts in the province, but we are seeing some progress with all the support from our partners.”

OSF Executive Director and SHPHA Chairperson Stephanie Copus-Campbell said OSF will work with the PHA to the determine the type of medical equipment that needs to be purchased for the hospital.

“OSF is a key partner that will help the Southern Highlands PHA deliver key improved health indicators. The province is on track to become one of PNG’s health performers by the end of this year and the support of key partners is essential to achieving this,” she said.

Currently, the people of Kutubu access health services at the referral centre which is Pimaga Rural Hospital and other health facilities.

The Nipa population access services at the Nipa Health Centre and other church run facilities.